Murdered Sheffield tot, 3, died from head injuries

Beautiful: Little Lylah Aaron, aged three, who died in Sheffield this month.

Published:09:01Saturday 23 February 2013

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TODDLER Lylah Aaron - whose death is the subject of a murder investigation - died from head injuries, a Sheffield inquest was told yesterday.

Statements read out at the hearing revealed three-year-old Lylah - full name Lylah Tadiwa Kim Aaron - had been left in the care of 30-year-old Delroy Catwell while her mother Precious Chibanda went out to work.

When Precious returned home to Beck Road in Shiregreen, at around 6pm on February 8, she went to check on her daughter and found she was breathing but unresponsive.

Emergency services were called and Lylah was rushed to Sheffield Children’s Hospital, where she was pronounced dead just after midnight on February 9.

The girl’s body was identified officially to police by her father, Nigel Aaron.

None of Lylah’s family was present at the hearing at the Medico Legal Centre in Shalesmoor yesterday.

Coroner Christopher Dorries told the court: “The cause of death has shown as head injury or injuries.

“Although I have opened the inquest the poor child’s body is not yet to be released until all inquiries have been completed.

“I am aware a man has appeared before the crown court and consequently that allows the family to get a death certificate.

“I have a statement from Nigel Aaron which confirms the body he identified is the same as the body being examined by Home Office pathologist Dr Charlie Wilson and child specialist Dr Marta Cohen.”

The inquest was adjourned pending the outcome of Sheffield Crown Court proceedings.

Lylah’s death stunned neighbours in Shiregreen, who left floral tributes, cards and teddy bears outside her home.

* Delroy Catwell, of Beck Road, Shiregreen, has been charged with Lylah’s murder.

He made his first appearance at Sheffield Crown Court earlier this week and will appear in court again in June. His trial has been listed for July.